Overall Purpose of the Position:
The Community Engagement Assistant functions as part of the team that is the link between the local communities and TASK (the researcher) to increase community acceptance of clinical research in line with good participatory practice guidelines. The role involves assisting the community liaison officer with the community activities that involves establishing relationships, driving effective engagement with the community and stakeholders, coordinating community engagement activities and assisting in setting up and providing support to TASK Community Advisory Boards.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs) & Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Representing the organization through public speaking engagements at conferences, community events, and professional forums
- Delivering compelling presentations on clinical studies, research findings, and key outcomes to diverse audiences
- Educating peers, stakeholders, and community members about clinical research methodologies and significant study results
- Preparing and managing event logistics, including setting up gazebo displays, arranging presentation tables and managing audio-visual equipment (speakers, microphones. etc)
- Engaging and liaising with community members and stakeholders in a meaningful and effective manner to promote clinical trial receptivity
- Facilitating, coordinating and participating in community outreaches and stakeholder engagement to consult with and update on clinical trial and community activities and to build and maintain positive relationships
- Liaising and consulting with community leaders, working with local government and various regulatory guidelines
- Ensuring the effective functioning of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) by attending meetings; ensuring minutes are prepared and distributed.
- Sharing information and following up with the CAB regarding various matters including Global CAB teleconference calls; resolving questions or issues regarding the research project lifecycle and other relevant matters
- Formulating strategies to educate the community on clinical research and studies and aid in supporting regulatory and ethics approval of new projects through community liaison and input
- Completing / assisting with Grant applications, where relevant
- Scheduling, coordinating and hosting various health events and outreaches
- Driving good participatory practice from community engagement perspective, including result dissemination
- Facilitating and participating in community and stakeholder engagement activities
- Preparing budgets for various activities and ensuring costs are managed accordingly
- Maintaining various records and statistics of activities to report and provide project updates to relevant sponsor / funder and company meetings
- Supporting the recruitment process of potential study participants for research projects
- Developing and implementing retention strategies for study participants
- Supporting the coordination of social media communication, or executing social media communication and monitoring and responses where applicable as part of community awareness and involvement
- Completing data entry tasks for monitoring and evaluation
- Supporting the growth and maintenance of the database comprising of potential clinical trial participants
- Standing in for the Community Liaison Officer where and when needed
- Performing any other tasks as may be reasonably required from time to time.
Ideal Requirements
- Post-matric certificate or diploma (Advantageous)
- Experience in community education and/or engagement work in health programs where an incumbent does not have a relevant tertiary qualification (Preferred)
- Relevant experience performing similar responsibilities
- Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and social media applications
- Valid drivers’ license (Preferable)
Key Personal Inherent Characteristics
- Professional and respectful in conduct
- Effective verbal and written communication skills in isiXhosa and English
- Good interpersonal skills with individuals at all levels
- Friendly, motivated and positive, with a dynamic ‘can do’, solutions orientated approach
- Public speaking skills and the ability to network and influence key stakeholders
- Excellent planning and organising skills, with the ability to work systematically and sequentially
- Personal effectiveness and the ability to work in a pressurised environment, with strict adherence to timelines
- Ability to work independently and in a cross-functional team environment
- Competent in identifying obstacles or problems and implementing an appropriate action plan
- Ability and willingness to adapt working hours in response to the business needs which may change from time to time in response to operational requirements and may include weekend work for events
- Initiative and creative thinking skills
Please indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position, notice period and gross salary expectations.
Contract Type: Fixed Term contract until 31 December 2025, dependant on funding
If you have not received a response within one month, your application was most likely unsuccessful.
TASK reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement and not fill the above-mentioned vacancy at any stage during the recruitment process.
Meeting our employment equity goals will be acknowledged during the recruitment process.
By responding to this advert and sending your cv, cover letter and/or any other documentation, you are consenting to TASK processing your personal information as contained in the furnished documents. TASK may process your personal information for recruitment purposes for suitable posts that may arise within the organisation. You agree that you have familiarised yourself with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act and understand your rights and obligations under this Act.
